In Remembrance

Gary Allen Smith, 70, Minong, WI., Passed away after a short illness Monday Jan. 24, 2022 in Duluth MN.

He was born June 7, 1951 in Shell Lake WI to Elmo and Ruth (Thoeny) Smith. The family moved to Minong in 1966. Gary graduated from Northwood High in 1969. He enlisted in the US Army in 1970. He was stationed in Germany where he served in combat demolition. He was honorably discharged in 1973. He lived and worked in the state of Washington from 1974-76 as a logger topping trees. He returned to WI in 1977 and worked various jobs before working for Bill Ferris Construction. He moved to Elroy WI from 1991-98 and was a custodian for Elroy school district. Gary moved back to Minong in 1998. He worked for Minong school district, then Jack Link. Retirement brought countless good times with his family and friends.

Everyone who met Gary fast became his friend. Gary always had a smile on his face, an ear to listen, and a story to tell. Gary loved to have fun. He especially enjoyed the Annual Smith Family Reunion, where he played the role as “uncle” and Emcee of the annual pig catching contest. His young nieces and nephews waited with excitement as he called out the names of the winner using his corn cob microphone. It was heart warming to watch as he and the kids interacted together.

He enjoyed his 4-wheeler family as they rode the trails and created life long memories. He will be forever missed by his many friends and family. He will remain forever in our hearts.

Gary is survived by brothers Art(Diana), Butch(Carla), John(Sally), Jerry(Joanne), Jim(Dawn), Bob, (Kevin) Sisters- Sue(Paul) Millerman, Diana(Jim) Ksiazyk, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, Elmo and Ruth and brother Dale.

A Celebration of Life will be held February 5th at P&L’s in Minong 1-4pm.

A Full Military Funeral will be April 29th-1pm at The Veteran Memorial Cemetery in Spooner WI.